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In 1070 Stigand, the Saxon bishop, was replaced by Walkelin a Norman. The existing building was demolished to make way for a new Cathedral. The importance of area on which the Cathedral is built went back a long way. In 635 Cynegils, the king of West Saxon was baptised as part of Christianity coming to Saxon England. In 899, Alfred the Great was buried in the Old Minster (one of the earlier buildings) and then moved to the New Minster that was built to the north of it. The Saxon church remained standing until the Norman Cathedral was completed by Easter of 1093. Much of the Cathedral built by Walkelin has been altered over the years. The central tower collapsed in 1107, blamed on the fact that William Rufus had been buried beneath it seven years earlier, and it was completely rebuilt. The legend of St. Swithun could be based on the fact that as his body was moved from the site in the Old Minster to a more splendid position, a violent storm occurred. Whether it did rain for 40 days is not known. Winchester is the longest cathedral in Europe with a length of 556 feet. The main work on the cathedral was performed by two bishops, William of Wykeham (1367-1404) and Henry Beaufort, Cardinal-Bishop of Winchester (1405-47). William Wynford was the main architect under Wykeham.

Mini Timeline

YearMonthDetails
964  Benedictines at Winchester
  At the bidding of St. Dunstan Benedictine monks moved from the Abbey of Abingdon to Winchester. Work began on a new Saxon church on the site. 
994 Winter Trygvasson converted to Christianity
  Through the Winter months Athelred provided the Vikings with lodgings and £16,000 in cash to stop the raids on his land. Athelred was also the sponsor at the baptism of Olaf Trygvasson. Olaf was given instruction from the Bishop of Winchester.1 
1079 - 1093Winchester Cathedral crypt
 Work began on the crypt and transepts of Winchester Cathedral. Until 1093.2 
1100 Aug William buried at Winchester
  William Rufus was buried under the tower of Winchester Cathedral. The tower fell down (either in 1101 or 1107 ?). The cause was blamed on the wickedness of the King's bones but was probably due to poor construction or uncertain foundations. 
1108 - 1120Winchester Cathedral tower
 Work began on the tower of Winchester Cathedral in 1108 and building continued Until 1120.2 
1172 Aug The Young King is crowned
  At a ceremony at Winchester Cathedral Henry, the Young King, and his wife Margaret were both crowned.3 
1194 Apr 17 The 'Crown Wearing'
  Richard took part in a precession to Winchester Cathedral. The king wore a golden crown and was followed by notables from the Church and State. The previous Crown Wearing was in 1158.4 
1202 - 1235Winchester Cathedral Retrochoir and Lady Chapel
 Work began on the retrochoir (area to the east of the presbytery) and the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral. Until 1235.2 
1219  William Marshal dies
  William Marshal is succeeded by Peter de Roches, Bishop of Winchester and Hubert de Burgh who was Justiciary. 
1232  Peter des Rievaulx becomes treasurer
  Peter des Rievaulx, the nephew of the Peter des Roches, Bishop of Winchester, is made treasurer of the Henry III's household and keeper of the king's wardrobe. This moved him into an extremely important position for controlling the king's affairs.5 
1265 Summer Armies march
  Simon's son was sent to London to raise money and troops. He diverted back through Winchester which was loyal to the king and then moved through Oxford and Northampton. Edward (I) moved from Worcester to Bridgnorth destroying bridges and means of allowing Simon who was on the Welsh side of the Avon from crossing back. The people of Bristol, friendly to Simon's cause sent ships to Newport to help Simon cross, but they were intercepted and destroyed by Edward.5 
1360  Winchester Cathedral West Front
  Work began on the West Front of Winchester Cathedral. Extra work was carried out on the North and South aisles2 
1394  Winchester Cathedral rebuilding work
  Work began on converting the Norman front and nave of Winchester Cathedral to the Perpendicular style by the Bishop of Winchester, William of Wykeham. 
1490 - 1500Winchester Cathedral Lady Chapel
 Work was carried out on the Lady Chapel of Winchester Cathedral.2 
Early Modern Period (1500-1800) - Under Construction
1554 Jul 25 Marriage of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain
  The marriage of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain took place. The marriage was conducted at Winchester Cathedral. 



See Also
  Wykeham, William (of)
  Wynford, William
  Roches, Peter Des
  Winchester
  Beaufort, Henry (Bishop of Winchester)
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  Timeline of abbey foundations
  The origin of monasteries
  The Cisterian order of monks

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Selection of references used:

  1. Magnus Magnusson,Vikings!,
  2. John Harvey,English Cathedrals,1961
  3. The Plantagenet Chronicles,
  4. John Gillingham,The Life and Times of Richard I,1974
  5. Elizabeth Luckock and Caroline Gundy,Simon de Montfort,1969
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